He added: “You crashed into a set of railings and wrote the car off. You are aged 25 and are still capable of learning a few lessons. I will impose a prison sentence but suspend it for the maximum period.”

Mark James Powell, of Walton in Liverpool, admitted dangerous driving, driving without a licence and without insurance on November 7.

He also pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and possession of cocaine and cannabis found in the Audi upon his arrest.

Daryl Grigg and his daughter Esmee, aged six, in the car that was stolen from his driveway

Francesca Whebell, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said the red Audi A4 had been stolen from outside the Plympton St Maurice home of owner Daryl Grigg.

She added it was seen driving “erratically” in Efford at around 2.45am and jumped traffic lights at Marsh Mills.

Two police officers spotted the vehicle in the early hours of November 8 parked in Bowden Park Road, Eggbuckland – parked half on the pavement.

They drove up to the car slowly, but it backed up and hit their car, damaging its transmission.

Miss Whebell said the car went along the road hitting street signs, street furniture and a lamppost before coming to rest in a hedge. The officers checked the car but Powell had already left and was found in Culver Way.

The barrister said Powell claimed to have just bought the car for £40, though its owner valued it at £3,500. He admitted he knew it was stolen.

Powell has five prior convictions for six offences.

Plymouth Crown Court (Image: File image)

Geoff Parlby, for Powell, said that the groundworker had been taking drugs at the time.

He added that: “He is not heavily convicted and the probation service feel they can work with him.”

The court heard he was remorseful.

Judge Lawrie handed Powell a 15-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He must do 80 hours unpaid work and complete a thinking skills course and supervision with probation.

Powell was also banned from driving for two years.

He was ordered to pay £250 prosecution costs and £140 victim surcharge.